How is your financial advisor paid?

On this week’s Money Matters, Scott and Pat take tough financial questions from callers and discuss the inherent conflicts associated with the commission-based advisor model.  Scott and Pat advise a caller on taking advantage of the low interest rate environment to refinance a home and discuss whether it’s wise choice to roll credit card debt into the loan.  A Colorado caller asks Scott and Pat about savings bonds she’s managing as part of her late sister’s estate and questions the fee she pays for basic investment planning with another organization. A Chicago man wonders whether he should delay taking his benefit from the government-run Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation - concerned with its long-term solvency.  A business owner asks about his commission-based financial advisor’s encouragement to bring on a variable life insurance plan. And, Scott and Pat speak with a retiree who questions whether to lean more toward index funds or individual stocks, discuss the risks of corporate bond ladders, and is advised on the benefits and risks associated with managing his own portfolio vs. working with a certified financial advisor. Ask a question by clicking here, or email Scott and Pat at [email protected]. Download and rate our podcast here.     Ask a question by clicking here, or email Scott and Pat at [email protected].